Multiphysics co-simulation: definitions

Introduction

Generally, the term coupling is used when we wish to study, for a given device, several physical phenomena: electrical, magnetic, thermal, mechanical...

Each phenomenon is described by an equation (equations of Maxwell, equation of Fourier, circuit equation, mechanical equation...). Therefore, the coupling requires that a more complex system of equations be solved.

Strong / weak coupling: definitions

In general we speak about:

  • a strong coupling: when a simultaneous solving process of two systems of equations is carried out (example: in case of the field-circuit coupling, the equations of the magnetic field and the circuit equations are solved simultaneously)

  • a weak coupling: when the two systems of equations are solved independently , which imposes the data transfer from one system to another (example: in case of the kinematic coupling, the equations of the magnetic field and the mechanics equations are successively solved for each time step).

A strong coupling can be carried out only internally (within the software). A weak coupling can be realized internally (within the software) or in association (combination) with other software items.

Couplings proposed in Flux

The couplings proposed in Flux are the following:

  • circuit coupling (strong coupling)
  • kinematic coupling (weak coupling)

These couplings are entirely incorporated and available in the form of Flux modules (functionalities proposed by the software).

Co-simulation

In order to carry out the coupling with other items of software, new functionalities allowing the external data exchange.

We speak about multiphysics co-simulation.

Examples

Examples of software items which can be coupled with Flux:

  • FLUENT: software of numerical simulation of fluids flows (Computational Fluid Dynamics: CFD)
  • EMTP: software of simulation of transient electromagnetic phenomenon in the electrical networks.
  • MpCCI: software for the coupling of various simulation codes
  • Flux: for instance Magneto-Thermal co-simulation